Eight D.O. Navarra wineries with wines scoring 95 points or more participated in the exclusive "Tim Atkin Best of Spain" event, while the new report highlights the extraordinary moment the wine region is experiencing.
Navarra has once again positioned itself among Spain's most outstanding wine regions thanks to the excellent results obtained in the "Navarra Top 100 2026" report by Tim Atkin MW, compiled by Spanish wine specialist Beth Willard. This recognition has also been reflected in the recent "Tim Atkin Best of Spain" event, an exclusive gathering that brings together only producers whose wines have demonstrated a high level of excellence. Among the participating wineries were Bodegas Aroa, Bodegas Ochoa, Bodegas Artazu, Perelada & Chivite, Tandem, Ubeta Wines, Unsi Wines, and Viña Zorzal Wines, whose wines have received scores of 95 points or more in Atkin's evaluations. The "Navarra Top 100 2026" report confirms the great moment the appellation is experiencing. For its compilation, Beth Willard visited Navarra for the third consecutive year, touring wineries and vineyards throughout the region and tasting a total of 297 wines from 40 producers. After this experience, the expert stated she had tasted "the most exceptional Navarra wines to date." Among the highest accolades in this prestigious publication are:
- White Wine of the Year: Huracán Daniela Cuvée 2021 from Gonzalo Celayeta Wines.
- Rosé Wines of the Year
• Pinpilinpauxa de Ubeta 2024 from Ubeta Wines.
• Rosé La Segunda Vineyard, Garnachas Collection from Curnova 2025 by Bodegas Alzania. - Red Wine of the Year: Teresa's Vineyard 2024 from Bodegas y Viñedos Artazu.
- Sweet Wine of the Year: Chivite 125 Late Harvest 2023 Collection.
- White Wine Discovery of the Year: Blanc Garnacha 2025 from Bodegas Eslava.
- Rosé Wine Discovery of the Year: Señora de las Alturas Rosado 2024 by Viña Zorzal.
- Red Wine Discovery of the Year: Meteluga 2023, Ubeta Wines
- Value" White Wine of the Year: Umea Garnacha Blanca 2025 from Bodegas Caudalía.
- Rosé Wine "Valor" of the Year Five Old Vines Vineyard of Señorío de Sarría.
- Valor Red Wine of the Year: Cepa x Cepa 2025 by Nekeas.
Furthermore, the report recognizes the María Abete as Winemaker of the Year, Sara Valencia as Rising Winemaker, Rebeca Lecumberri, Félix Bariain, and the winemakers of Bodegas Eslava as Viticulturists of the Year, and Bodegas Eslava as Winery of the Year.
Under Willard's gaze, there are five keys to understanding the current Navarra wine scene. Through her visits and tastings, the expert identifies several trends that are defining the region's present and future:
The value of old vines
One of the most significant aspects is the growing importance of old vines. Most of the wines included in the Top 100 come from vineyards over 35 years old, and many far exceed that age. Navarra even has numerous centenarian plots that represent a wine-growing heritage of immense value. The report emphasizes the need to protect this heritage through specific tools that guarantee its conservation for future generations.
Recovery of varieties and commitment to local
The recovery of native grape varieties is another of the region's major lines of work. Projects developed by wineries such as Inurrieta and Bodegas Eslava, in collaboration with EVENA, are making it possible to rescue historical plant material and adapt it to current market demands.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Vivid project in San Martín de Unx aim to attract new generations to the wine sector, contributing to the maintenance of vineyards and the rural development of producing areas.
Wines that express origin
For Willard, one of Navarra's most significant advancements is the growing ability of its wines to accurately reflect the place from which they come. The expert highlights that she has never before found so many wines in the region capable of clearly expressing the character of specific vineyards, individual plots, or specific municipalities. The diversity of expressions of Garnacha, Navarra's emblematic variety, exemplifies this evolution. From the Garnachas of San Martín de Unx to those of the Yerri Valley, Artazu, Lerga, Eslava, Fitero, or Cintruénigo, each area contributes an increasingly recognizable identity in the glass. This trend is also evident in rosés, a category historically tied to Navarra, which is experiencing a notable evolution towards more premium segments, with wines from singular vineyards and specific municipalities.
Biodiversity and sustainability as pillars of the future
The report also highlights the growing prominence of biodiversity and sustainable practices. Navarra, situated between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, boasts exceptional natural richness which is reflected in its vineyards. Research into grenache biotypes, projects based on autochthonous microorganisms, the implementation of ecological corridors, and the development of regenerative practices demonstrate a region increasingly committed to the health of its soils and ecosystems.
Tradition and precision in craftsmanship
Winemaking in the Navarra DO is also evolving towards models that are more respectful of the vineyard's expression. Wineries combine current technical knowledge with traditional vessels and methods, using everything from large foudres and concrete tanks to amphorae and ceramic vessels. According to Willard, the trend is clear: less intervention, more experimentation, and a constant search for authenticity, always in service of the origin and identity of each wine.
With these results, Navarra reaffirms its position as one of the most dynamic and promising wine regions in Spain, capable of combining tradition, innovation, sustainability, and an identity increasingly linked to the origin of its wines.
To learn more and purchase the full report "Navarra 2026 – Top 100" by Tim Atkin MW, with all scores, visit the website:
https://timatkin.com/product/2026-navarra-top-100/
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